Author(s): Walaa Al-Akayleh, Mansour Saaydah
This research aims to examine the determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure level in the Jordanian firms. The sample consists of (36) industrial firms and (32) service firms listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) during the period (2014-2018). Study data is mainly gathered from the published annual reports of the firms. The data is analyzed by regression using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The effects of four corporate characteristics: Visibility, profitability, ownership structure, and company's foreign ownership, and two control variables (firm size and industry type), are examined on CSR disclosure level. The results, at the overall sample level, showed a significant negative effect of firm’s visibility, and a significant positive effect of firm's foreign ownership and size on corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure level, and no impact of firms' return on invested capital. The study main recommendation is to increase the research related to identifying the determinants of CSR disclosure in developing nations, especially in Jordan, since the studies about this field of research in developing countries are limited compared with those in developed countries. Furthermore, the study recommends further research on the development of CSR disclosure index appropriate to Jordanian firms and its activities, to be used as guidance by Jordanian companies in reporting their social responsibility activities.